New Orleans Pelicans | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/new-orleans-hornets
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017Tue, 26 Sep 2017 22:16:50 GMT2017-09-26T22:16:50Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2017The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
NBA trade deadline: the winners (Pelicans) and losers (Kings)https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/feb/23/nba-trade-deadline-winners-losers
<p>The New Orleans Pelicans took a step forward, the Sacramento Kings took a step back, the LA Lakers hit the reset button – and the Boston Celtics went nowhere<br></p><p>Heading into NBA trade deadline day, there was a very real fear that the biggest move of the year had already been made. But while nothing was likely to top the New Orleans Pelicans’ deal for DeMarcus Cousins, there was still plenty of talk that either the Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler or the Indiana Pacers’ Paul George could find their way to a contender before the 3pm ET deadline. <br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2017/feb/23/nba-trade-deadline-day-live">NBA trade deadline day: Mavericks get Noel from 76ers – as it happened</a> </p><p lang="und" dir="ltr"></p><p lang="und" dir="ltr">⌚️</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/feb/23/nba-trade-deadline-winners-losers">Continue reading...</a>New Orleans PelicansSportSacramento KingsPhiladelphia 76ersLos Angeles LakersNBABasketballUS sportsBoston CelticsCleveland CavaliersBrooklyn NetsHouston RocketsDallas MavericksChicago BullsIndiana PacersThu, 23 Feb 2017 22:23:44 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/feb/23/nba-trade-deadline-winners-losersPhotograph: Ted Jackson/APPhotograph: Ted Jackson/APHunter Felt2017-02-23T22:23:44ZWorst trade ever: looking for positives in the Kings' DeMarcus Cousins debaclehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/feb/21/worst-trade-ever-demarcus-cousins-sacramento-kings-pelicans
<p>The Kings’ gifting of their star center to the Pelicans has been hailed as the worst trade in NBA history, but might there be a method to their madness?</p><p>The Sacramento Kings have completed a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad trade. A trade that, by large consensus, is being called one of the worst in NBA history. A trade so bad that the <a href="https://twitter.com/pastapadre/status/833547478444052480">artificial intelligence in NBA 2K17 won’t allow it</a> to go through. A trade so terrible that in his press conference discussing the deal, Kings general manager Vlade Divac took on the hopeless appearance of a man held against his will, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/demarcus-cousins-trade-new-orleans-pelicans-sacramento-kings">saying he had a better offer</a> two days ago. </p><p>For all of Divac’s many failings, a list of shortcomings which are dwarfed by those of team owner Vivek Ranadivé, we must assume he is telling the truth about a better offer because the one he accepted late Sunday night could not have been much worse: franchise centerpiece DeMarcus Cousins and Omri Casspi shipped to New Orleans in exchange for rookie guard Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway and the Pelicans’ first- and second-round picks in the 2017 draft. The Kings also released Matt Barnes in the wake of the deal to clear roster space, meaning they could be held liable for however he uses his newfound free time to terrorize Derek Fisher.</p><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/outsSA18Aw">pic.twitter.com/outsSA18Aw</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/demarcus-cousins-trade-new-orleans-pelicans-sacramento-kings">GM admits Kings turned down a 'better deal' before trading DeMarcus Cousins</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Source familiar w/ Kings’ thinking: "Vivek thinks Buddy [Hield] has Steph Curry potential.” Am told that fixation was a key driver in deal.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/feb/21/worst-trade-ever-demarcus-cousins-sacramento-kings-pelicans">Continue reading...</a>NBASacramento KingsNew Orleans PelicansBasketballSportUS sportsStephen CurryTue, 21 Feb 2017 13:26:41 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/feb/21/worst-trade-ever-demarcus-cousins-sacramento-kings-pelicansPhotograph: Jae C. Hong/APPhotograph: Jae C. Hong/APDJ Gallo2017-02-21T13:26:41ZGM admits Kings turned down a 'better deal' before trading DeMarcus Cousinshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/demarcus-cousins-trade-new-orleans-pelicans-sacramento-kings
<ul><li>Move for temperamental big man signals New Orleans intent on playoff push</li><li>Sacramento gain Buddy Hield and first- and second-round draft picks</li></ul><p>DeMarcus Cousins is on his way out of Sacramento — and right into an All-Star frontcourt pairing with Anthony Davis. The New Orleans Pelicans agreed to acquire Cousins from the Kings on Sunday, the same night the center was playing in the All-Star Game in their arena.</p><p>The Kings dealt one of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/08/demarcus-cousins-rasheed-wallace-scaramento-kings-technical-fouls">the most talented but temperamental big men</a> in the game along with Omri Casspi to New Orleans in exchange for Tyreke Evans, 2016 first-round draft pick Buddy Hield, Langston Galloway and first- and second-round draft picks this summer. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/08/demarcus-cousins-rasheed-wallace-scaramento-kings-technical-fouls">Is DeMarcus Cousins the NBA's greatest ever bad guy? | Hunter Felt</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kings GM Vlade Divac said he had A BETTER OFFER for Boogie two days ago.<br>But that you know, that's not the deal he made. <a href="https://t.co/ZSnUSixZCo">pic.twitter.com/ZSnUSixZCo</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/nba-all-star-game-anthony-davis-record-52-points">NBA All-Star Game: Anthony Davis breaks record with 52 points</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/demarcus-cousins-trade-new-orleans-pelicans-sacramento-kings">Continue reading...</a>Sacramento KingsNew Orleans PelicansNBABasketballUS sportsSportMon, 20 Feb 2017 12:45:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/demarcus-cousins-trade-new-orleans-pelicans-sacramento-kingsPhotograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Kirby Lee/USA Today SportsAssociated Press2017-02-20T12:45:57ZNBA All-Star Game: Anthony Davis breaks record with 52 pointshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/nba-all-star-game-anthony-davis-record-52-points
<ul><li>Western Conference beats Eastern Conference 192-182 in New Orleans</li><li>Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant reunited on same team</li></ul><p>At the defense-free dunkfest that now serves as the NBA’s All-Star Game, Anthony Davis scored a record 52 points and led the Western Conference past the Eastern Conference, 192-182 on Sunday night. He made 26 of 39 shots, scored 20 points in the fourth quarter and became the first player since Kobe Bryant in 2011 to win MVP honors on his home floor.</p><p>“It was amazing,” Davis said. “That’s what I wanted to do ... get the MVP for this crowd, for this city. This one definitely means a lot to me.”</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">AD caps off his record setting night with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash">#NBAAllStar</a> Play of the Night powered by <a href="https://twitter.com/JBLaudio">@JBLaudio</a>! <a href="https://t.co/jLFvgIlV8K">pic.twitter.com/jLFvgIlV8K</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/19/adam-silver-kyrie-irving-flat-earth-nba">Adam Silver says Kyrie Irving's flat-Earth theory is a comment on fake news</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KevinDurant?src=hash">#KevinDurant</a> up top for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussellWestbrook?src=hash">#RussellWestbrook</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamWEST?src=hash">#TeamWEST</a>!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAAllStar?src=hash">#NBAAllStar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT">@NBAonTNT</a> <a href="https://t.co/lXDtN6hIfu">pic.twitter.com/lXDtN6hIfu</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/19/nba-slam-dunk-contest-glenn-robinson-iii-winner">Glenn Robinson III wins NBA dunk contest with help from cheerleader</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/nba-all-star-game-anthony-davis-record-52-points">Continue reading...</a>NBANew Orleans PelicansBasketballUS sportsSportMon, 20 Feb 2017 05:02:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/20/nba-all-star-game-anthony-davis-record-52-pointsPhotograph: Bob Donnan/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Bob Donnan/USA Today SportsAssociated Press in New Orleans2017-02-20T05:02:26ZPelicans' Buddy Hield ejected after hitting DeMarcus Cousins in groinhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/13/buddy-hield-ejected-demarcus-cousins-groin-hit-nba
<ul><li>New Orleans rookie insists hit was ‘nothing intentional’ </li><li>Sacramento Kings beat Pelicans 105-99 for third straight victory</li></ul><p>The New Orleans Pelicans rookie guard Buddy Hield was ejected after a flagrant foul penalty in his team’s loss to the Sacramento Kings on Sunday. Coming off a screen, Hield hit DeMarcus Cousins in the groin and was ejected for the first time in his NBA career.</p><p>“It was nothing intentional. I’m pretty sure if it was intentional, knowing DeMarcus’ personality, he would have come after me and made a big fuss about it,” said Hield, who had five points in 14 minutes. “But DeMarcus sold it enough that the refs looked over to review it.”</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Buddy Hield gave DeMarcus Cousins a full genital exam going around Boogie's screen <a href="https://t.co/EmSmxNkbKO">pic.twitter.com/EmSmxNkbKO</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/08/demarcus-cousins-rasheed-wallace-scaramento-kings-technical-fouls">Is DeMarcus Cousins the NBA's greatest ever bad guy? | Hunter Felt</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/13/buddy-hield-ejected-demarcus-cousins-groin-hit-nba">Continue reading...</a>New Orleans PelicansSacramento KingsNBAUS sportsBasketballSportMon, 13 Feb 2017 12:39:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/feb/13/buddy-hield-ejected-demarcus-cousins-groin-hit-nbaPhotograph: Jesse D Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Jesse D Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty ImagesAssociated Press2017-02-13T12:39:32ZRockets set NBA record with 24 three-pointers in victory over Pelicanshttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/17/houston-rockets-nba-record-three-pointers-pelicans
<ul><li>James Harden posts sixth triple-double of the season and 15th of his career</li><li>Rockets attempted 61 three-pointers, making 39.3% of them</li></ul><p>The Houston Rockets didn’t seem too impressed with their latest entry in the NBA record books.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/16/craig-sager-death-nba-sideline-reporter-tribute">Craig Sager: much-loved NBA reporter who brought color and courage</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/17/houston-rockets-nba-record-three-pointers-pelicans">Continue reading...</a>NBAHouston RocketsNew Orleans PelicansUS sportsSportSat, 17 Dec 2016 16:30:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/dec/17/houston-rockets-nba-record-three-pointers-pelicansPhotograph: David J. Phillip/APPhotograph: David J. Phillip/APAssociated Press2016-12-17T16:30:40ZIn the era of the NBA super-team, pinning your hopes on one star is deadlyhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/10/nba-super-teams-new-orleans-pelicans-anthony-davis
<p>When teams such as the Warriors have depth throughout their roster, the chances of someone like Anthony Davis dragging his team to the Finals diminish</p><p>I have very little hope for the upcoming Donald Trump presidency. I know, I’m really out on a limb with this one. Don’t worry, folks. The rest of this column won’t be nearly as controversial. A xenophobic, racist Batman vigilante figure chasing women around the Oval Office like a billionaire Benny Hill sounds particularly odious to me and about 45 million other people in this country.</p><p>But one thing I do know about Donald Trump that could work out in our favor is that he is a sports fan. Sure, he’s the type of sports fan that thinks football players exiting games after concussions are “soft,” but I suppose you could squint and spin that sort of maniacal disgust for the frailty of the human body into “passionate interest.” I’m going to give President-Elect Donald Trump the benefit of the doubt for a moment here, because I need him to do something very important, something that could forever alter the fate of this country: I need him to contract the New Orleans Pelicans. Why? Because they are slowly strangling the life out of Anthony Davis and we cannot allow that to continue.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/10/andrew-bogut-lashes-two-faced-nba-world">Andrew Bogut lashes 'two-faced' and 'shallow' NBA media sources</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/10/nba-super-teams-new-orleans-pelicans-anthony-davis">Continue reading...</a>New Orleans PelicansNBABasketballUS sportsSportThu, 10 Nov 2016 12:54:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/10/nba-super-teams-new-orleans-pelicans-anthony-davisPhotograph: Ben Margot/APPhotograph: Ben Margot/APDave Schilling2016-11-10T12:54:50ZThe important thing about Lauren Holiday's tumor isn't her husband's seasonhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/sep/04/lauren-holiday-brain-tumor-usa-womens-soccer-team
<p>The former USA player has won two gold medals and the World Cup, but many media outlets concentrated on how her illness affects the NBA season</p><p>What’s the worst thing about discovering that one of the finest players of her generation has been diagnosed with a brain tumor while pregnant? Is it that someone beloved and admired by fans across the world has a potentially life-threatening condition? Or that a time that should be full of happiness and hope is instead filled with dread and anxiety? Or perhaps it’s the reminder that even the healthiest and strongest of us can be struck down by grave illness?</p><p>Maybe all of those thoughts flashed through your mind when you read the news that Lauren Holiday had been diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of just 28, and just six weeks away from the birth of her child. But then again, if you read most of the stories on the subject, your main takeaway would probably have been that the New Orleans Pelicans will be without one of their guards for the start of the NBA season. Yes, this isn’t a human tragedy but the very real possibility that the Pelicans could end the season 13th in the Western Conference rather than 12th.</p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jrue Holiday will miss start of the season to care for pregnant wife, who has a brain tumor <a href="https://t.co/8omMqnWkmV">https://t.co/8omMqnWkmV</a> <a href="https://t.co/2CbrrqcubE">pic.twitter.com/2CbrrqcubE</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Her name is Lauren Holiday &amp; she's a two-time Olympic gold medalist. <a href="https://t.co/nSezk1IYtQ">https://t.co/nSezk1IYtQ</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wife of a Bears' lineman wins a bronze medal today in Rio Olympics <a href="https://t.co/kwZoGY0xAX">https://t.co/kwZoGY0xAX</a> <a href="https://t.co/VZrjOvr80h">pic.twitter.com/VZrjOvr80h</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/sep/04/lauren-holiday-brain-tumor-usa-womens-soccer-team">Continue reading...</a>USA women's football teamNew Orleans PelicansFootballUS sportsWomen's footballSportSun, 04 Sep 2016 16:15:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/sep/04/lauren-holiday-brain-tumor-usa-womens-soccer-teamPhotograph: Michael Chow/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Michael Chow/USA Today SportsTom Lutz2016-09-04T16:15:40ZThe Hunters 2016: a look back on a thrilling NBA seasonhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/27/hunters-2016-nba-awards-of-end-season
<p>Hunter Felt reflects on the Warriors’ record-breaking regular season, a huge playoff performance from LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant’s endless farewell tour<br></p><p>As we mentioned <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/jun/23/the-hunters-the-alternative-2014-15-end-of-season-nba-awards">last year</a>, the Guardian prefers to wait until the end of the playoffs before handing out our NBA awards. This season ended up being a perfect example of why we wait. Prior to the NBA finals, this year was all about the Golden State Warriors’ quest to put together the greatest season in NBA history. Instead, they ended up being the heavies in the story of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ remarkable comeback.<br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/27/hunters-2016-nba-awards-of-end-season">Continue reading...</a>NBASportUS sportsGolden State WarriorsCleveland CavaliersSan Antonio SpursLos Angeles LakersMinnesota TimberwolvesNew Orleans PelicansOklahoma City ThunderLeBron JamesStephen CurryPortland Trail BlazersKobe BryantMon, 27 Jun 2016 09:00:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jun/27/hunters-2016-nba-awards-of-end-seasonPhotograph: Bob Donnan/ReutersPhotograph: Bob Donnan/ReutersHunter Felt2016-06-27T09:00:09ZBryce Dejean-Jones, Pelicans guard, killed after entering wrong apartmenthttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/29/bryce-dejean-jones-shot-dead-wrong-apartment
<ul><li>Occupant mistook 23-year-old for intruder, according to player’s agent</li><li>Dejean-Jones had been celebrating his daughter’s first birthday</li></ul><p>It appears that the New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce Dejean-Jones <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/28/bryce-dejean-jones-new-orleans-pelicans-dies-23">was shot dead on Saturday</a> after entering the wrong apartment on his daughter’s first birthday.</p><p> Dejean-Jones had been visiting his girlfriend to celebrate his daughter’s birthday and had gone for a walk according to his agent, Scott W Nicholls. <a href="http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/15792680/new-orleans-pelicans-guard-bryce-dejean-jones-dies-gunshot-wound-abdomen">ESPN reported</a> that Dejean-Jones and his girlfriend had been arguing beforehand. It was the first time he had been to the building in Dallas and went to the third floor instead of the fourth when he came back. When he began kicking at the bedroom door, the apartment’s occupant, who had been asleep, called out but received no response and shot Dejean-Jones dead. It is legal to use deadly force against intruders in Texas.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/28/bryce-dejean-jones-new-orleans-pelicans-dies-23">Bryce Dejean-Jones, New Orleans Pelicans guard, shot dead aged 23</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/29/bryce-dejean-jones-shot-dead-wrong-apartment">Continue reading...</a>New Orleans PelicansNBAUS gun controlDallasUS sportsUS newsSportSun, 29 May 2016 17:39:52 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/29/bryce-dejean-jones-shot-dead-wrong-apartmentPhotograph: Doug McSchooler/APPhotograph: Doug McSchooler/APGuardian sport2016-05-29T17:39:52ZBryce Dejean-Jones, New Orleans Pelicans guard, shot dead aged 23https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/28/bryce-dejean-jones-new-orleans-pelicans-dies-23
<p>Police say Dejean-Jones was fatally shot after breaking down the door to a Dallas apartment as Pelicans describe ‘deep sadness’ of 23-year-old’s death</p><p>New Orleans Pelicans shooting guard Bryce Dejean-Jones has died aged 23. Police say he was fatally shot after breaking down the door to a Dallas apartment.</p><p>Sr Cpl DeMarquis Black said in a statement that officers were called early Saturday morning and found the 23-year-old Dejean-Jones collapsed in an outdoor passageway. He was taken to a hospital where he died.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/28/bryce-dejean-jones-new-orleans-pelicans-dies-23">Continue reading...</a>New Orleans PelicansNBAUS sportsSportSat, 28 May 2016 20:59:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/28/bryce-dejean-jones-new-orleans-pelicans-dies-23Photograph: Sam Morris/APPhotograph: Sam Morris/APGuardian sport2016-05-28T20:59:56ZAnthony Davis misses out on $25m after All-NBA team snubhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/26/anthony-davis-bonus-all-nba-teams
<ul><li>Injury hits Pelicans star’s chances of activating bonus clause</li><li>Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook make first team</li></ul><p>New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis missed out on a $25m windfall on Thursday when he failed to make this year’s All-NBA teams.</p><p>Davis was a first-team All-NBA selection last year, but was limited to just 61 games this season because of shoulder and knee injuries, and didn’t receive enough votes for inclusion, meaning the clause in his contract that entitles him to a bonus will not be activated.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/may/26/stephen-curry-golden-state-warriors-injury-nba-playoffs">Stephen Curry, the Warriors and the struggle to stay superhuman</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/26/anthony-davis-bonus-all-nba-teams">Continue reading...</a>New Orleans PelicansNBAUS sportsSportThu, 26 May 2016 21:12:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/may/26/anthony-davis-bonus-all-nba-teamsPhotograph: John Raoux/APPhotograph: John Raoux/APGuardian sport2016-05-26T21:12:22ZWas Dwight Howard's Stickum spray the most incompetent example of cheating?https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/23/dwight-howard-stickum-houston-rockets-nba
<p>Dwight Howard is worried that he will be labeled as a cheater after getting caught using an illegal adhesive, but the incident has led to mockery rather than anger<br></p><p>On Saturday night, the Houston Rockets lost a game, which was anything but a news story, especially not this season. What made the 109-97 loss to the Atlanta Hawks notable was an incident where Rockets center Dwight Howard was <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/20/dwight-howard-sticky-spray-nba-review-houston-rockets-atlanta-hawks">caught using the adhesive substance Stickum</a> during the game. It was the latest embarrassing development for a team that’s had <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-rockets/post/_/id/2199/from-pink-slips-to-stickum-rockets-have-had-issues-all-season">a season full of them</a>.<br></p><p>“I’ve never felt the ball like that ever,” said Atlanta’s Paul Millsap, who discovered the substance on the ball while lining up for a free throw, “It was sticky. It was like super glue or something was on there. I couldn’t get it off my hands. It was the weirdest thing ever.”</p><p>It comes and goes. You wake up, and just because it’s raining, it’s gonna start hurting. It’s just any situation, it can start hurting. Especially when you get hit on it, or it gets pulled back a certain way—it starts hurting </p><p><em>New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis <a href="http://deadspin.com/anthony-davis-says-hes-been-playing-hurt-for-three-year-1766194764">on the injuries</a> that will end his season</em></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Most 30-Point Games in a Loss - This Season<br>James Harden 13&lt;&lt;<br>DeMarcus Cousins 13<br>Paul George 11<br>&gt;&gt;Including tonight</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/23/dwight-howard-stickum-houston-rockets-nba">Continue reading...</a>Houston RocketsAtlanta HawksCleveland CavaliersNew Orleans PelicansNBABasketballSportUS sportsWed, 23 Mar 2016 09:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/mar/23/dwight-howard-stickum-houston-rockets-nbaPhotograph: Dan Hamilton/USA Today SportsPhotograph: Dan Hamilton/USA Today SportsHunter Felt2016-03-23T09:00:03ZNBA MVP: the only ways anyone can stop Steph Curry from winning this yearhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/feb/24/nba-mvp-the-only-ways-anyone-can-stop-steph-curry-from-winning-this-year
<p>Is there even an MVP race, or should we just hand the Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry the award right now?<br></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/27/golden-state-warriors-nba-boring">Have the unstoppable Warriors made the NBA boring?</a></li></ul><p>Anthony Davis had <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/21/cavaliers-overcome-thunder-while-davis-scores-59-in-pelicans-victory">59 points and 20 rebounds</a> in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 111-106 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. It may have been the <a href="http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/anthony-daviss-5920-game-was-a-throwback-to-the-1960s/">most impressive</a> offensive performance of the year, but, unfortunately for Davis, it came far too late to resurrect what was supposed to be his MVP season. This is, of course, assuming that any player other than Steph Curry has a legitimate shot at the award this year.<br></p><p>Many pre-season psychics (<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/27/nba-2015-16-predictions-our-writers-forecast-the-playoffs-and-award-winners">including this one</a>) had Davis as winning the first of many MVP awards this season. Some of this may have to do with an eagerness to move on to the sport’s next big thing – for some, the future always has to be now – but Davis really did look to be on the verge of a breakthrough.<br></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/jan/27/golden-state-warriors-nba-boring">Have the unstoppable Warriors just made the NBA season completely boring?</a> </p><p>It’s disappointing because we saw the possibilities. But yeah, I would do it over again if it were out there. We did our due diligence. Just thought there was too much risk.</p><p>– Detroit Pistons president/coach Stan Van Gundy on his team’s <a href="http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/02/22/detroit-pistons-houston-rockets-trade/80761850/">voided trade</a> for Donatas Motiejunas and Marcus Thornton.<br></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thunder fan tells LeBron to "Suck It Up" <a href="https://t.co/GBD9GxWyT8">https://t.co/GBD9GxWyT8</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quick Hitter No. 2: Clippers tweet ‘<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/family?src=hash">#family</a>’ along with photo of Blake Griffin and equipment manager he punched <a href="https://t.co/ZmgKLNZI12">https://t.co/ZmgKLNZI12</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Steph Curry says this shimmy "was a little something" for buddy/ex-teammate Kent Bazemore <a href="https://t.co/7GIfNR1e09">pic.twitter.com/7GIfNR1e09</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/feb/24/nba-mvp-the-only-ways-anyone-can-stop-steph-curry-from-winning-this-year">Continue reading...</a>Golden State WarriorsNew Orleans PelicansCleveland CavaliersOklahoma City ThunderSan Antonio SpursDetroit PistonsHouston RocketsNBABasketballUS sportsSportStephen CurryWed, 24 Feb 2016 11:00:39 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/feb/24/nba-mvp-the-only-ways-anyone-can-stop-steph-curry-from-winning-this-yearPhotograph: John Bazemore/APPhotograph: John Bazemore/APHunter Felt2016-02-24T11:00:39ZCavaliers overcome Thunder while Davis scores 59 in Pelicans victoryhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/21/cavaliers-overcome-thunder-while-davis-scores-59-in-pelicans-victory
<ul><li>Anthony Davis puts up 59 points and 20 rebounds</li><li>Kevin Love stars as Cleveland extend streak</li></ul><p>Kevin Love scored 29 points to help the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers roll past the Oklahoma City Thunder 115-92 on Sunday.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/21/warriors-back-to-winning-ways-after-crushing-by-trail-blazers">Warriors back to winning ways after crushing by Trail Blazers</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Westbrook is a PROBLEM in transition! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAonABC?src=hash">#NBAonABC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAVine?src=hash">#NBAVine</a> <a href="https://t.co/Rq77cMwXKa">https://t.co/Rq77cMwXKa</a></p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FLY, Pelican, FLY! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAVine?src=hash">#NBAVine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBALeaguePass?src=hash">#NBALeaguePass</a> <a href="https://t.co/oaKVjm0oAh">https://t.co/oaKVjm0oAh</a></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/21/cavaliers-overcome-thunder-while-davis-scores-59-in-pelicans-victory">Continue reading...</a>NBANew Orleans PelicansCleveland CavaliersOklahoma City ThunderUS sportsSportSun, 21 Feb 2016 23:49:11 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/feb/21/cavaliers-overcome-thunder-while-davis-scores-59-in-pelicans-victoryPhotograph: Carlos Osorio/APPhotograph: Carlos Osorio/APAssociated Press2016-02-21T23:49:11ZWarriors assistant Alvin Gentry is new Pelicans head coachhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/31/warriors-assistant-alvin-gentry-is-new-pelicans-head-coach
<ul><li>Will lead talented young roster</li><li>Will take up position after NBA Finals<br></li></ul><p>The New Orleans Pelicans have decided that 60-year-old coaching veteran Alvin Gentry is the best candidate to mold a young roster featuring 22-year-old budding superstar Anthony Davis.<br></p><p>The Pelicans hired the Golden State assistant Saturday night. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/31/warriors-assistant-alvin-gentry-is-new-pelicans-head-coach">Continue reading...</a>New Orleans PelicansNBAGolden State WarriorsSportUS sportsSun, 31 May 2015 15:35:50 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/may/31/warriors-assistant-alvin-gentry-is-new-pelicans-head-coachPhotograph: Nam Y Huh/APPhotograph: Nam Y Huh/APAssociated Press2015-05-31T15:35:50ZThe NBA playoffs have been pretty boring – but there are signs of lifehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/22/nba-playoffs-boring-signs-of-life
<p>Paul Pierce and the Wizards embarrass Toronto; Rose and Rondo return to the postseason, and the Spurs, Trail Blazers and Clippers seek to split their series<br></p><p>So far, the NBA playoffs have felt underwhelming. Maybe because seven of the eight first-round series weren’t settled until <a draggable="true" href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/15/much-remains-undecided-entering-final-day-of-nba-regular-season">the very last day</a> of the regular season. Or maybe there have been too many teams taking 2-0 leads in this first round. However, there are some intriguing plotlines developing:<br tabindex="-1"></p><p>Brad Stevens on D on LBJ/Kyrie: "We made those guys earn everything they got, and I think that's a step in the right direction from Game 1."</p><p>We haven’t done particularly well against Toronto, but I don’t feel they have the ‘it’ that makes you worried.</p><p>In the NBA playoffs, home teams playing in the United States are 11-0. Home teams playing Canada are 0-2.</p><p>Come in fellows..no heroics ...Who is holding Gordon..hell somebody man is open!</p><p>Come on Dubs...go to HOLE AND DRAW SOME FOULS! I DONT WANT TO HEAR Barkley's MOUTH!</p><p>They BETTER COME ON....they are allowing AD to work out! I'm getting PISSED!</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/22/nba-playoffs-boring-signs-of-life">Continue reading...</a>SportNBAUS sportsBasketballCleveland CavaliersBoston CelticsWashington WizardsToronto RaptorsChicago BullsAtlanta HawksMilwaukee BucksBrooklyn NetsNew Orleans PelicansGolden State WarriorsDallas MavericksHouston RocketsPortland Trail BlazersLos Angeles ClippersWed, 22 Apr 2015 15:12:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/22/nba-playoffs-boring-signs-of-lifePhotograph: DAVID MAXWELL/EPAPhotograph: DAVID MAXWELL/EPAHunter Felt2015-04-22T15:12:10ZMuch remains undecided entering final day of NBA regular seasonhttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/15/much-remains-undecided-entering-final-day-of-nba-regular-season
<p>The Boston Celtics complete improbable playoff push, the Indiana Pacers hold upper hand over the Brooklyn Nets, while Thabo Sefolosha sues the NYPD<br></p><p>It’s the last day of the NBA’s regular season, and there’s still way too much left to be decided when it comes to the upcoming playoffs. Seven out of the eight first-round matchups, in fact. At the beginning of the season, we could only hope that there would be meaningful games being played until the very end of the season. The Basketball Gods have, perhaps, over-delivered.<br></p><p>In the broadcast, Ainge tells Mike&amp;Tommy basically that the deal to get Thomas was so good, it outweighed the risk of falling out of lottery</p><p>The Grizzlies are eliminated from division-title contention, and cannot gain the No. 2 seed. It’s a pretty stunning collapse from a team that looked certain to finish in a top-three spot only two weeks ago. But their late schedule, injuries and the Spurs have conspired against Memphis. </p><p>The Clippers cannot finish sixth, the best they can finish is second. They clinched no-worse-than-third with their win over the Suns Tuesday.</p><p>On advice of my counsel, I hope that you can appreciate that I cannot discuss the facts of the case. These questions will be answered by my lawyer in a court of law. I will simply say that I am in great pain, that I have suffered significant injury and those were caused by the police.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2015/apr/09/why-stephen-curry-not-james-harden-is-this-years-nba-mvp">Why Stephen Curry, not James Harden, is this year's NBA MVP</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/15/much-remains-undecided-entering-final-day-of-nba-regular-season">Continue reading...</a>SportNBAUS sportsBasketballGolden State WarriorsAtlanta HawksOklahoma City ThunderNew Orleans PelicansBoston CelticsIndiana PacersHouston RocketsBrooklyn NetsPortland Trail BlazersWashington WizardsMilwaukee BucksLos Angeles ClippersMiami HeatDallas MavericksNew York KnicksStephen CurryWed, 15 Apr 2015 16:42:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/15/much-remains-undecided-entering-final-day-of-nba-regular-seasonPhotograph: Sue Ogrocki/APPhotograph: Sue Ogrocki/APHunter Felt2015-04-15T16:42:00ZPelicans overtake Thunder for final playoff spot as race goes down to wirehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/08/pelicans-overtake-thunder-for-final-playoff-spot-as-race-goes-down-to-wire
<p>Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets seek to crash the Eastern Conference playoffs; Paul George returns to the Indiana Pacers; the San Antonio Spurs rattle the Golden State Warriors<br></p><p>With the NCAA tournament now firmly in the past, it’s time to turn our attention squarely on the level of basketball where players actually get paid for their work. Welcome to the last two weeks of the NBA regular season which are, for those teams desperately trying to stave off elimination, the playoffs to get into the playoffs.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/08/pelicans-overtake-thunder-for-final-playoff-spot-as-race-goes-down-to-wire">Continue reading...</a>SportNBAUS sportsBasketballIndiana PacersOklahoma City ThunderNew Orleans PelicansBoston CelticsSan Antonio SpursGolden State WarriorsBrooklyn NetsMiami HeatPhoenix SunsToronto RaptorsMemphis GrizzliesUtah JazzDallas MavericksPortland Trail BlazersChicago BullsWed, 08 Apr 2015 14:04:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/08/pelicans-overtake-thunder-for-final-playoff-spot-as-race-goes-down-to-wirePhotograph: Gerald Herbert/APPhotograph: Gerald Herbert/APHunter Felt2015-04-08T14:04:56ZOklahoma City Thunder shut down Kevin Durant and face an uncertain futurehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/25/oklahoma-city-thunder-shut-down-kevin-durant-and-face-an-uncertain-future
<p>Paul George may or may not be coming back; Golden State Warriors destroy the Atlanta Hawks; New York Knicks destroy themselves; James Harden has a MVP case; Steve Nash is officially retired<br></p><p>Yes, college basketball owns the month of March, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been big news going on in the realm of organized basketball where teams can’t just <a href="http://www.omaha.com/columnists/hansen/hansen-ultimate-matchup-wichita-state-fanatics-are-spoiling-for-chance/article_ecffdab0-641f-560c-90e8-7642295e932f.html">refuse to schedule</a> games against their rivals. It’s around that time in the NBA when teams are beginning to clinch playoff spots, key players return to lineups and award races go down to the wire.<br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/25/oklahoma-city-thunder-shut-down-kevin-durant-and-face-an-uncertain-future">Continue reading...</a>SportNBABasketballUS sportsOklahoma City ThunderGolden State WarriorsAtlanta HawksNew York KnicksPhiladelphia 76ersMinnesota TimberwolvesIndiana PacersHouston RocketsPhoenix SunsNew Orleans PelicansLos Angeles ClippersChicago BullsWed, 25 Mar 2015 14:22:22 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/mar/25/oklahoma-city-thunder-shut-down-kevin-durant-and-face-an-uncertain-futurePhotograph: Sue Ogrocki/APPhotograph: Sue Ogrocki/APHunter Felt2015-03-25T14:22:22Z